How to Pack the Perfect Carry-On

So, these last couple of months have been amazing, but crazy. I have gone from place to place and feel like I’ve been practically living on airplanes. Literally since May I have been on 10 different flights. So, I thought I would share what I pack in my carryon to make long flights as painless as possible.

Chapstick - I hate being anywhere without chapstick, but especially on flights! There is something about airplane air that just dries your skin out like crazy!

Tissues - Tissues are always good to have on hand, just in case!

Notebook and Pens/pencils - Since I don’t always want to spend the money on wifi on planes, I like to have a notebook and a pen or pencil on hand to keep myself busy. I usually use it to write down any post ideas that come to me, or even start writing out posts since some airplane seats are a little too cramped to comfortably type.

Phone charger - The great thing about traveling now is that technology has made things SO easy. Everything from your boarding pass to your debit card is on your phone now, so you definitely don’t want to risk your phone dying. Most planes have some kind of outlet to charge your phone, too. I always like to plug mine in during the flight so that I’m at a completely full battery when I land!

Wallet - This one probably goes without saying, but it’s important to make sure your wallet is in a place that’s easily accessible, and not thrown in your suitcase somewhere! Also, most flights are debit card only now if you want to buy something in flight, but I was recently on a flight that only accepted cash, so it helps to keep a little bit of cash on you too, just in case.

Headphones (not the new Apple ones!) - This is something I always forget and then hate myself for forgetting. Make sure to pack a pair of headphones, but double check to be sure that they aren’t the new apple ones that come with the iPhone 7s, because you literally won’t be able to use them on anything except for you phone. Thanks Apple.

Tangle Teezer - I used to bring my bulky wet brush everywhere I went, but lately I’ve been leaving that behind and bringing my travel size tangle teezer! I love that it has a little guard thing that clicks on and keeps the bristles from getting bent and ruined in your bag.

Benadryl - So I started bringing Benadryl when I would travel with Euler, just in case he got a little too crazy on the plane (I checked with the vet first, don’t worry!) but even when I travel alone I like to have some on hand for red eye flights!

Gum - When I was a kid, my family would always make sure that we each had a pack of gum in our carry on. I would always buy a specific flavor for each place we visited, that way that flavor would always make me feel like i was on vacation. I don’t do that any more, but I still always make sure to have a pack of gum on hand when I travel!

Sweater - I don’t care if it’s the middle of summer, they keep airplanes COLD. I have made the mistake of wearing sleeveless dresses and not bringing a sweater or blanket with me too many times and regretted it the second I stepped on the plane. Bring a sweater. you’ll thank me later.

Eye Mask for late night or early morning flights - If you like to sleep on the plane (I mean, why wouldn’t you? It makes the flight go by SO much faster!) then find a good eye mask to block out all of the light!

Granola bars/other snacks - Let’s face it, airport and airplane food is EXPENSIVE! I personally always forget to eat before heading to the airport because I’m always running late and packing last minute, so its great to have a snack or two in your bag so you’re not having to splurge on a $10 excuse for a “sandwich”.

Wet Ones - Airports are gross. Literally everything you touch has been touched by hundreds of people. I like keeping a travel packet of wet ones in my bag to wipe my hands down with!

Advil - It’s so easy to get a headache on airplanes with the dry air, and the constant white noise! It really helps to have some advil in your bag, just in case!

A good book - We're so used to having internet and constant entertainment everywhere we go now that sometimes I forget to take the time to sit down and read a book! A flight is the perfect excuse to completely unplug and spend a good chunk of uninterrupted time reading!

Hair ties - Last but not least, don’t forget to bring a hair tie! I always head to the airport with the intention of looking slightly decent and keeping my hair down, but it ends up in a ponytail almost every time.

I hope this list took some of the guesswork out of packing for your next trip! I would also bring the same type of bag on long road trips (as long as I’m not the one driving!). If you liked this list, feel free to print out or pin the checklist below!

XOXO,

Olivia

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